New funds will support community organizations with pandemic recovery, mental health and substance use disorder initiatives
Two new funding programs have been launched this month that community groups across Algoma can apply to: the Community Services Recovery Fund in support of pandemic recovery projects, and the GSC Community Impact Fund: Creating Communities of Care for Algoma in support of positive mental health and wellbeing projects.
The Community Services Recovery Fund is a historic one-time investment of $400 million across Canada that will help community service organizations to adapt, to modernize and to be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility and sustainability of the community services that they provide, so they can continue to support communities through the pandemic recovery and beyond. The Algoma Community Foundation will be supporting the application process for groups located in Algoma, alongside the United Way Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District and the Canadian Red Cross.
“The Government is supporting the long-term COVID-19 pandemic recovery in communities across Canada through this historic fund. This transformational investment with the National Funders supports a more inclusive model of economic growth that creates opportunities at the community level. The Community Services Recovery Fund will strengthen the ability of community service organizations, including charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies, to deliver services and resources where they will have the most impact” says Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.
Applications for funding can be submitted now until February 21, 2023. Organizations are encouraged to complete an interactive quiz to determine where and how to apply. Additional information and resources, including the quiz and applicant guide, can be found on the Community Services Recovery Fund website: www.communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca
The GSC Community Impact Fund: Creating Communities of Care for Algoma funding program, made possible with financial support from Green Shield Canada, was developed by the Algoma Community Foundation following an in-depth community consultation process undertaken in 2022 with individuals working and interacting with the mental health, wellness and addictions sectors across Algoma.
“Between April and September 2022, we sat down and had conversations with over 25 people from urban, rural and First Nation communities across Algoma who hold knowledge, lived experience, professional skills and wisdom around this important and pressing local issue” says Robin Sutherland, Executive Director of the Algoma Community Foundation. “It was a humbling and sobering process. We wanted to make sure we took the time to listen deeply to the community about what supports are needed, so that we could then shape this funding around those needs. This is especially important since this is the first fund that we have developed and are delivering ourselves as a new Community Foundation serving Algoma.”
The ACF is inviting local community groups (including incorporated non-profits, collectives and grassroots groups, registered charities, Indigenous governing bodies and municipalities) in the Algoma Region (from Spanish to Wawa, inclusive of Sault Ste. Marie) to apply for between $5000 and $25000 in support of new or existing projects, programs or operations that support positive mental health and well being across the region. The application deadline is February 24, 2023. Interested groups can find more information about the funds and apply using a simple online form through the ACF website at algomacommunityfoundation.ca/granting. A sibling fund specifically for youth-led initiatives will be launched later in the year.
Applications for both programs will be assessed by local Review Committees.
